10 Common IELTS Writing Mistakes That Keep You at Band 6
Short answer: Most Band 6 writers lose marks from incomplete task response, shallow paragraphs, mechanical linking words, and memorised templates — not from “bad English” overall.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
Table of Contents
- Mistake 1: Partial Task Response
- Mistake 2: No Clear Position
- Mistake 3: Under-Developed Paragraphs
- Mistake 4: Under 250 Words
- Mistake 5: Overused Linkers
- Mistake 6: Memorised Templates
- Mistake 7: Off-Topic Examples
- Mistake 8: Vocabulary Overreach
- Mistake 9: Same Grammar Patterns
- Mistake 10: No Feedback Loop
- FAQ
Fix these ten patterns and many Band 6 scripts become Band 7. Each mistake includes a weak vs strong example. Diagnose yours with free AI scoring.
Related: Band 6 to 7 guide | Band descriptors
1. Partial Task Response
Wrong: Discuss both views prompt — only one view developed.
Right: Equal development + your opinion.
2. No Clear Position
Wrong: There are many advantages and disadvantages. (sits on fence)
Right: On balance, advantages outweigh disadvantages because…
3. Under-Developed Body Paragraphs
Wrong: One sentence = one argument.
Right: Topic sentence → explain → example → link (4–6 sentences).
4. Writing Under 250 Words
Wrong: 230 words — automatic Task Response penalty.
Right: 280–320 with development, not padding.
5. Overused Linking Words
Wrong: Furthermore… Moreover… Furthermore…
Right: Mix reference (this, such policies), contrast (however), result (therefore).
Guide: Linking words Band 7–8
6. Memorised Template Phrases
Wrong: It is undeniable that technology has changed society.
Right: Paraphrase the actual question in your own words.
7. Off-Topic or Personal Examples
Wrong: Long story about your cousin.
Right: In many urban areas… / Research in several countries suggests…
8. Forcing Advanced Vocabulary
Wrong: The multifarious ramifications are ostensibly pivotal. (wrong/naturalness)
Right: These effects are significant for public health.
9. Only Simple Sentences
Wrong: All SVO sentences.
Right: Add one relative clause + one conditional per essay, accurately.
10. No Feedback Loop
Wrong: 20 essays, same TR error every time.
Right: Score each essay; fix one criterion before the next.
Tool: 20-day study plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which mistake hurts most?
Usually Task Response (incomplete answer) — then Cohesion.
Can I fix all ten at once?
Focus on two per week; see Band 6 to 7 action plan.
Will AI catch these?
Yes — TR/CC issues appear in criterion sub-scores and diagnosis text.
Find your top mistake — free diagnosis on sign-up.
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